WRC 2 return for Pieniazek

Poland's Lukasz Pieniazek will return for a second season in WRC 2 in 2018.

The 27-year-old stepped up to WRC 2 last year after two seasons competing in the junior section of the FIA European Rally Championship.

After six events at the wheel of a Peugeot 208 T16 in 2017 [pictured above], he switched to a Skoda Fabia R5 for his last appearance at Dayinsure Wales Rally GB, and he will stick with the Printsport-run Skoda Fabia this year.

"I am glad to announce that my second season at WRC2 is about to begin," said Pieniazek, who is co-driven by Przemek Mazur. "I am totally overwhelmed with the positive emotions. Contesting WRC rallies is a huge challenge and I am extremely happy to continue my program at this level."

Pieniazek will begin his seven-round WRC 2 programme on snow at Rally Sweden, but is yet to confirm the rest of his campaign.

As part of his pre-season preparations, Pieniazek will tackle Finland's Arctic Lapland Rally (25 - 27 January) to get a feel for the Skoda in winter conditions.